Calvert County Director of Planning and Zoning Greg Bowen has announced his retirement after 32 years. He has held the top position in that department since 2004, and before that was deputy director. It would be effective in September, though that timing would require a brief renewal of his contract, which carries fiscal year (July-July) dates.
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work for the county these past 32 years,” Bowen told the Baynet. “I’ve dealt with some wonderful employees and elected officials during that time.”
A native of Calvert County, he particularly pointed to “the chance to be involved with the land preservation, growth management and historic preservation programs here in Calvert County.”
Bowen made his decision last Thursday evening, alerting County Administrator Terry Shannon the next day and meeting with his staff on Wednesday.
The announcement of Bowen’s departure comes in the wake of last week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting where the majority seemed ready to begin a dismemberment of the Planning and Zoning Department, starting with removal of the Board of Appeals and making its staff report to the county administrator.
Third District Commissioner Evan Slaughenhoupt (R) suggested that perhaps the department’s “planning function belongs with economic development” and Board Chairman Susan Shaw stated of the proposed reorganization, “What I’m hoping for is that people get the sense in dealing with Planning and Zoning is that the rules are the same for all, that the process is fair, and the organization works with people to get them where they need to be. We have gotten away from that.”
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